"For Lunch" – North American 944 Turbo Advertisement

The following is an advertisement by Porsche for the 1989 944 Turbo, featuring a red Turbo drifting across the screen, accompanied by a classical rendition of Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix.

The narrator comments: “For lunch, the Porsche 944 Turbo generally prefers Ferraris, although it has been known occasionally to snack on Corvettes.” The commercial was designed to attract US buyers, which explains the reference to Corvette. Moreover, the musical selection represents the combination of elegance and power, intended to draw US buyers to the Turbo.

Porsche also produced a printed version of the advertisement, which read:

It seems there is some confusion these days about what is and what isn’t a performance car. Such are the successes of advertising, unfortunately.

But let’s get one thing clear. The automobile you are looking at on this page is one of the four fastest production cars in the world. Period.

The Porsche 944 Turbo.

Exactly how fast is it? Faster in both acceleration and top speed than a Ferrari 328 or a 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. (And, despite any silly claims to the contrary, able to run leisurely circles around a Volvo Turbo wagon, on any racetrack in the world.)

For 1989, it comes equipped with a 247 hp, turbo-charged, intercooled, 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine. An engine that has proven itself not only extraordinarily powerful but amazingly durable in three years of German Turbo Cup racing.

Its ABS brakes are coupled to big vented discs and fat, low silhouette 16-inch tires that can stop it from 60 mph in a remarkable 154 feet.

And just as important, the 944 Turbo’s perfect balance and nimble handling forgive many of the mistakes that may get lesser performance cars into serious trouble.

Really now, considering all this, is it any wonder that the 944 Turbo is somewhat picky about what it eats for lunch?

The printed advertisement can be viewed below.

“For Lunch” print advertisement

[*] This video and print advertisement are copyright Dr.Ing.h.c.F.Porsche AG and Porsche Cars North America. All Rights Reserved. It is used solely for educational purposes, and not for profit. It should be not be considered representative of Dr.Ing.h.c.F.Porsche AG of Porsche Cars North America.